The Teacher

I've been called many things. I've been called a sprinter, a photographer, an animal and of course some not so good names. But the other day A friend of mine referred to me as "The Teacher".

I know many teachers, and to be associated with them is an honor. Especially since the guy who mentioned it is a bit of a cycling legend. He was impressed that I introduced two guys to our world of commuting via bicycle. To show someone the ropes, in a safe way, and to explain the logistics ahead of time and take the mystery out of it...well It's not something we all go out of our way to do.

It's not like I'm a preacher. It's just that to know me, well it only takes a minute for me to weave a cycling story to share. And if you ride, you know I will get you to confess your religion as a roadie or dirt roller. And every once in a while you meet someone who gets that look in their eye that says wow, I want to ride like that. And that's when you got 'em, hook line and sinker.

But it's all talk until you commit. Either to attempt a ride, or to show a rookie the ropes. Introducing Joe and Chris, two newbies to bike commuting. We were all talk for many months but we finally dove in. We had a few laughs about logistics such as where to park a bike, showers, and whatever you do leave your bike lock at work. But after those hurdles we had a great ride in to San Francisco together. A nineteen mile ride for two guys who haven't ridden further than 5 miles this year. And how did they do? 

As a motley crew consisting of a hybrid, mountain bike, and road bike we rolled easy, took some breaks, and quickly learned how to point out dangers on the road, but mostly we just enjoyed the day. They got to see first hand how the commute by bike is one big social fest full of characters. For example in Sausalito, Wheel Destroyer came upon us and quickly gave me an obnoxious  bear hug (taunting me of course) that I desperately tried to escape from. Further down the road Jon (the Ironman) stopped alongside us to say hello. In the city, I ran into my old friend Todd as he rolled his orange steel steed alongside us. All in a day's ride.

These interactions are great distractions to the fact that you are exercising. you are sweating and burning calories especially as you take on the climb to the Golden Gate Bridge. Joking around of course is par for the course when it comes to riding. For example, I explained to Chris the strategy on taking the hill. Envision you are in a relationship with said hill. You must take her, but not like a dog in heat. Stay the course for you are in it until you finish together at the top. So ease back buddy and enjoy the playground. You don't get to do this everyday. Needless to say, The photo shows them smiling on their way up to the Golden Gate Bridge. That's right. Smiling. I don't even think they realized they were just about done climbing 600 feet.

As a teacher, I made the subject a fun and social experience. But the playground we ride in provides the material to make it easy. Joe has already ridden in twice with me this year. And I expect with Chris we'll ride a few more times before the weather changes. 

Mo Miles aka Daddy Bikes to Work, has now added the Teacher to his resume. And that my friends is a name you can call me anytime.